About
Hilary Burns, in her own words says:
“Weaving has been a constant, I originally trained in textiles as a fabric weaver before taking up the craft of basket making some thirty years ago.
I make both functional baskets and sculptural pieces. After moving to Devon in 1985 I planted a willow bed and use mainly natural materials including hedgerow materials, hazel, oak and ash. These are all harvested locally. Working with a source of sustainable and renewable materials connects me to the seasonal cycle. Basketry is a slow craft; growing the materials, cutting, grading, drying, soaking, gives control but adds to the making time.
I study traditional techniques and find them endlessly intriguing, refined to perfectly suit the available material and the function. I have been interested in European techniques associated with willow and wood for a long time and this continues to be an inspiration. I try to find my own way to use them to create form and texture.
I am a co-founder and director of Basketry and Beyond, a voluntary organisation promoting basketry techniques, the use of natural materials, sustainable construction and applications in the widest sense.”
